BHP Billiton: Potential Strike at Iron-Ore Port Could Be Costly

Mining Company Says Potential Tugboat Strike Could Mean Significant Lost Sales for Exporters

By

Stephen Bell

May 12, 2014 7:55 a.m. ET

Mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd. said Monday that potential strike action by tugboat workers at Australia's biggest iron-ore port would cost exporters of the steelmaking ingredient 100 million Australian dollars (US$94 million) a day in lost sales.

The warning followed a vote by tugboat members of the Maritime Union of Australia to take lawful industrial action after an agreement couldn't be reached with employers over a new pay deal....